3 John

Background

Although the name of John is not mentioned, the author has been reported as the apostle John since the earliest times.
Those who commented about the letter also placed John in Ephesus at the time, late in his life.
Gaius could be the same as one mentioned before (Acts 19:28, 20:4, Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14), but it was a common name. The Gaius of Acts 19:28 is from Macedonia. The Gaius of Acts 20:4 is from Derbe. The Gaius of Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14 is from Corinth.
Demetrius probably is not the silversmith of Acts 19:24, but possibly.
Diotrephes is not mentioned elsewhere.

The Text

(1) “Truth” also appears in verses 3, 4, and 8. As in 2 John, “Spirit” could be used in the same place.

(2) Praying for physical things appears to be appropriate if kept in context.

(3 – 6) As in 2 John and most of the other letters, the motivation for writing was encouragement

(3) The excellent reputation of Gaius had spread, so John reported that fact.
(4) The foundation of John’s joy was derived from the successes of faith. John expressed the same sentiment in 1 John 1:4 and 2 John 4.
- Paul’s expressions of joy are found in Philippians 1:4, 1:18, 1:25, 2:2, 2:28, 3:1, 4:1, 4:4, 4:10; Colossians 1:11, 1:24, 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:19, 2:20, 5:16; 2 Corinthians 2:3, 7:4, 7:7, 7:9, 7:16
- James 1:2
- 1 Peter 1:8
(5) Gaius’ generosity had become well known.
(6) The recipients of Gaius’ generosity reported it to other congregations.
Encouraging those who do well and reporting good work to others is an important function within the church.

(6 – 8) Helping those who travel and teach the gospel is a good work.

(6) These teachers were already on the road, not raising support for future work.
(7) They did claim support as a right. Paul did the same (1 Corinthians 9:4 – 18, 2 Thessalonians 3:9), although he accepted gifts when appropriate (Philippians 4:10 – 20).
(8) In helping such teachers, we participate in their work
Christians are encouraged to support such works (Titus 3:13, 1 Timothy 5:17 – 18, James 5:4, Colossians 4:10, Philippians 2:29, Romans 16:2, Acts 18:27).
Not everyone has the faith or is physically able to become a travelling teacher. But if everyone did so, all would starve. Those who stay home, work, and share are essential to the process.

(9 – 11) The desire for position happens in the church, too.

Diotrephes’ motive was revealed by an inspired writer, not assumption.
“Receive” meant to both honor and financially support.
Diotrephes’ words were forcefully delivered nonsense.
Diotrephes’ claimed authority over the actions of others and the authority to regulate church membership.
John draws the conclusion that Diotrephes has not seen God.

(11 – 12) Do the right thing.

John does not ask Gaius to oppose Diotrephes, but to do what he knows is right.
Stick with those you have decided are the right ones to follow (hegemony).
Stick with those who show the results of the Spirit dwelling in them.
If congregations followed this pattern, poor leadership would die of starvation.

(13 – 14) As in 2 John, personal visits are superior to letters.

Peace would be in short supply with Diotrephes around; but only if you let his poor behavior overcome the truth.
Greet the friends according to their inner quality; greet them with encouragement as John did in verse 3.
Congregations have an obligation to spread peace.